Indicator for a dispensing device

ABSTRACT

An indicating mechanism for a dispenser in a copier machine. The dispensing mechanism comprises a container designed to store and dispense a quantity of developer of the kind having a toner dispersed within a carrier containing iron filings. A magnetic switching device is magnetically attracted to the iron filings of said carrier, while developer still remains in the container. When the container empties of developer, the magnetic swtich is no longer held in an attracted position, thus signalling the depletion of the developer mix within the container. A jogging mechanism engageable with the magnetic switching device provides a novel mechanical means for providing a flashing signal.

United States Patent [191 Koeleman Oct. 28, 1975 1 INDICATOR FOR ADISPENSING DEVICE [75] Inventor: Gerardus A. J. Koeleman, Velden,

Netherlands [52] US. Cl. 222/23; 222/167; 116/114;

335/205 [51] Int. Cl. B67D 5/06 [58] Field of Search 222/23, 36, 39,64-66,

222/167, 169-172; 335/205, 207; 73/313, DIG. 5; 116/114 [56] ReferencesCited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,555,513 6/1951 Schweitzer 335/2052,980,293 4/1961 Leitte 222/39 OTHER PUBLICATIONS German Patent Office,Auszuge Aus Den Gebauchsmastern, Aug, 1972, p. 1906, second invention ofColumn 2. switch Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves AssistantExaminerI-I. Grant Skaggs Attorney, Agent, or Firm-William D. Soltow,.lr.; Albert W. Scribner; Donald P. Walker [57] ABSTRACT An indicatingmechanism for a dispenser in a copier machine. The dispensing mechanismcomprises a container designed to store and dispense a quantity ofdeveloper of the kind having a toner dispersed within a carriercontaining iron filings. A magnetic switching device is magneticallyattracted to the iron filings of said carrier, while developer stillremains in the container. When the container empties of developer, themagnetic swtich is no longer held in an attracted position, thussignalling the depletion of the developer mix within the container. Ajogging mechanism engageable with the magnetic switching device providesa novel mechanical means for providing a flashing signal.

8 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures US. Patent' Oct.28, 1975 Sheet1of2 3,915,340

US. Patent Oct.28, 1975 Sheet20f2 3,915,340

INDICATOR LIGHT INDICATOR LIGHT FIG. 3

FIG.2

INDICATOR FOR A DISPENSING DEVICE The invention pertains to dispensingmechanisms, and more particularly to an indicating device for adispensing mechanism for supplying a copier machine with developermaterials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Dispensing mechanisms for use in copiermachines must be accurately and timely actuated when developer densitydrops below an acceptable level in the supply bin. If the supply ofdeveloper is not properly accomplished, then the quality of thereproductions will be visibly poor. In order to avoid this, manyelaborate schemes have been devised to signal the operator to replenishthe supply of developer in the copier. Many of the previous indicatingmethods are too complicated, expensive, and unreliable, for example:

a. Optical means have been used to sense toner remaining in asee-through supply bottle. This system has the serious drawback that thewalls of the bottle can become caked with toner, which then provides anderroneous indication that the container is still full;

b. Weighing means have been used to determine the depletion of tonerfrom a container. The drawbacks for this system are lack of accuracy,variations in toner formulations effecting the weight, the need fortemperature and pressure compensators, etc.

The present inventive indicator mechanism is a simple means ofaccurately and reliabily indicating when a new supply of toner should beadded to a copier dispensing system. The inventive indicator isprimarily, but not exclusively, for use with copier machines employingmagnetic brush development. A magnetic brush roller wipes the toneracross the surface of a charged, imaged photoconductor. By means ofmagnetic attraction the toner which contains iron fillings, filings,caused to form a brush-like configuration upon the roller. Thus, as thephotoconductor is moved by the roller, it becomes fully saturated withtoner in the imaged areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is for use in a copier systemsusing de veloper materials having a toner dispersed within a carriercontaining iron filings. A novel approach to sensing the depletion ofthis type of developer is to use the magnetic or magnetizable qualitiesof the carrier material to activate a magnetic switch. When there issufficient carrier material in the supply container, the magnetic switchelement is maintained by magnetic attraction in the open position. When,however, the developer is depleted from the container, the switch is nolonger magnetically held open and is allowed to close, thus signallingthe copier operator of the deficiency, and the need to restore thedeveloper supply.

The magnetic switch of this invention is periodically jogged towards itsclosed position when the developer is fully dispensed thus providing aflashing signal. If the switch is being maintained in its magneticallyattracted closed position, then the jogging mechanism does not operate.If, however, the developer supply is depleted, thereby causing theswitching element to assume its open unattracted position, then theperiodic displacement of the switch towards its closed position, willcause the switch to provide a cyclic or flashing signal to the operator.This cyclic, or flashing signal, alerts the attendant that a new supplyof developer is needed.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved indicatingmechanism for a developer dispensing device.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel means ofdetecting the depletion of a developer supply for a' copier system.

It is another object of the invention to provide a signalling device fora developer dispensing system using a toner dispersed within a carriercomprising iron filings.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent andwill be better understood with reference to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the dispensing and indicating mechanism of thisinvention, showing a container for developer in cutaway;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the invention of FIG. 1 taken along lines22, with the magnetic switching device in its open magneticallyattracted position; and

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the invention similar to FIG. 2, with themagnetic switching device shown in its closed, developer proximitymagnetically unattracted position.

Generally, speaking, the invention is for an indicating device for adeveloper dispensing mechanism for use in a copier machine of the type,which dispenses a developer comprising a toner and a magnetizablecarrier material. The mechanism comprises a container for storing aquantity of the developeer for use in the copier machine. Dispensingmeans is provided for dispensing the developer from the container. Themechanism of this invenion additionally comprises sensing means disposedin poximity to the container for sensing when the container hassubstantially emptied of developer. The sensing means is movable betweena first position indicative that developer still remains in thecontainer, and a second position indicative that substantially all ofthe developer has been dispensing therefrom.

The sensing means remains in its first position while sufficientdeveloper remains in the container, and moves to the second positionafter the developer has been dispensed. Means are provided forindicating the position of the sensing means, and hence, whethersufficient developer remains in the container, which is furtherindicative of whether there is need to replenish said copier machinewith developer.

The sensing means is generally a magnetic which is held in its firstposition by means of magnetic holding attraction. The magnetic holdingattraction is provided between the magnetic means and the magnetizablecarrier material.

Means may also be provided for urging the sensing means towards saidfirst position in a periodic fashion, as the dispensing means is causedto operate. This urging causes a flashing signal to be produced, whenthe container has substantially emptied.

Now referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a container 10 is shown, which isadapted to contain a developer 8 having a toner dispersed within amagnetizable carrier material. The carrier material is generally of thetype containing iron filings for magnetic brush development of an image.The container has a dispensing spout 9 and a scoop 12 disposed in theneck of the bottle. An auger 11 is rotatably connected to the scoop 12by a suitable fastener 40 at one end thereof, and extends from the mouth17 of the spout 9 at its other end, where it is fastened to thestationary frame 50 at point 35. The container fits within a cylindricalhousing 41, about which is wrapped a drive belt 19. The drive belt 19also wraps about a drive pulley 20, which is keyed to shaft 34 of motor21.

The housing 41 and the dispensing bottle 10 are mounted for rotationupon four free-spinning wheels 23, which are rotatively mounted to theframe.

A pivot arm 26 mounted in proximity to the container 10 and the drivepulley 20, is shown to be pivotal (arrows 27) about the pivot 28. Anupper section of the arm 26 carries a magnet 29, which is closelyadjacent the container 10.

The drive pulley has a jogging pin 24 attached thereto, which rotateswith the pulley 20 and engages the pivot arm 26, when it drops to itslower position as shown in FIG. 3.

Anarm 42 of an electrical switch 30 is forced downward as the pivot armdrops to its lower position in FIG. 3, thus closing an indicator circuit32.

OPERATION OF THE DEVICE The housing 41 and the container 10 are made torotate by means of the drive belt 19, which will be more fully explainedhereinafter. When the bottle 10 is made to rotate, as shown by arrow 14in FIGS. 2 and 3, the scoop 12, and the spout 9 are also made to rotate(arrow 45). When the scoop 12 reaches an upward extending position asshown in phantom in FIGS. 2 and 3, some developer 8 which has becometrapped in the cradle of the scoop, will fall through aperture 16 intospout 9.

The auger 11 which remains stationarily in place as the spout 9 andscoop 12 rotate, causes the developer 8 to advance towards the mouth 17of the spout 9, where it empties into a developer bin 18. A rotatingworm 36 advances the developer within an upper portion of bin 18. Whenthe developer reaches aperture 37 in the bin 18, the developer fallsthrough the aperture 37 into the lower portion of the bin. A spokedmixing paddle 38 stirs the developer, from whence it is carried to themagnetic brush roller 39.

A photoelectric sensor 22 is positioned adjacent bin 18. When thedensity (blackness) of the developer decreases below a certain minimumlevel, as when sufficient toner has been drawn from the mix, the sensor22 activates the motor 21, causing pulley 20 to rotate. This in turncauses the drive belt 19 to rotate housing 41 and container 10.

Developer 8 disposed in container 10 advances towards the spout 9 (arrow15) where it is scooped-up upon scoop l2 and deposited in spout 9 viaaperture 16. The developer 8 emerges spout 9 at its mouth 17, and isdeposited in bin 18, thus replenishing the toner in the bin. Whenasufficient amount of toner is inserted into the bin, the sensor 22deactivates motor 21, causing the dispensing to cease.

Operation of this type of dispensing mechanism is ex- ,plained morefully with reference to the published German Application No. 72.l9,649;registered on Aug. 14, 1972.

The indicating mechanism of this invention operates to signal theoperator of the copier machine that the bottle 10 of developer hasemptied. This is accomplished by means of pivot arm 26. When sufficientdeveloper still remains in the container 10 as illustrated in FIG. 2,the magnet 29 of the pivot arm 26 is attracted to the iron filings ofthe developer mix 8. In its attracted position, the magnet maintains thepivot arm 26 in its upper position, so that the indicating switch 30 iskept open, and indicator circuit 32 is.kept incomplete.

When the developer is substantially emptied from container 10, themagnet 39 is no longer held in attraction to the iron filings, thusallowing pivot arm 26 to drop to its lower position as shown in FIG. 3.

When the pivot arm 26 assumes the position of FIG. 3, it depresses lever42 of switch 30, causing circuit 32 to become a closed circuit. Theclosing of circuit 32 causes current to flow to the indicator light 31,which illuminates the indicator.

The indicator 31 is further caused to provide a flashing signal by anovel jogging mechanism, which cyclically opens and closes circuit 32.The jogging mechanism comprises a pin 24, which extends outwardly fromthe pulley 20, and rotates therewith (arrow 25).

When the sensor 22 activates the dispensing apparatus, the pulley 20 andthe pin 24 are made to rotate. If the arm 26 is in its upper position(FIG. 2) as when developer is still remaining in bottle 10, then pin 24bypasses arm 26 as it rotates about shaft 34. However, if the pivot arm26 has dropped to its lower position, (FIG. 3) as when the bottle 10 issubstantially empty of developer, then the pin 24 will engage arm 26,and urge the arm to its upper position.

Because the magnet 39 continues to no longer be attracted upwardly, thepivot arm will not remain in its upper position when it is jogged by thepin 24. Therefore, the arm will continue to rise and fall every time thepin 24 engages it. The result is, that a cyclic or periodic opening andclosing of circuit 32 is provided by the jogging mechanism, thusproducing a flashing signal to the operator. The flashing signal willcontinue until such time, as a new bottle of developer is inserted inhousing 41 in replacement for the empty bottle. Now as the sensor 22calls for more developer 8, a fresh supply of developer will be dumpedinto the bin 18, thus deactivating the sensor 22 and motor 21.

The drawings presented herein are deemed to be merely exemplary innature, and are presented only to provide an understanding of thisinvention.

All modifications, variations or changes to this invention which areobviously contemplated by those skilled in the art, are deemed to bewithin the full scope and spirit of the invention.

The invention should be interpreted solely by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An indicating device for a developer dispensing mechanism for use ina copier machine, said dispensing mechanism-dispensing a quantity ofdeveloper comprising a toner material and a magnetizable carriermaterial, said indicating device comprising:

a container for storing a quantity of said developer for use in saidcopier machine;

dispensing means associated with said container for dispensing saidquantity of developer from said container to said copier machine;

magnetic means movably disposed with respect to said container between afirst position and a second position, said first position being adjacentsaid container in sufficient proximity therewith to establish a magneticholding attraction between said magnetic means and said magnetizablecarrier material when sufficient developer remains in said container,and said second position being of insufficient proximity to saidcontainer to establish a holding attraction between said magnetic meansand said magnetizable carrier material;

indicating means responsive to movement of said magnetic means forindicating the position of said magnetic means with respect to saidcontainer, so as to provide an indication whether there is sufficientdeveloper in said container to maintain said magnetic means in holdingattraction with said carrier material, which is further indicative ofwhether there is need to replenish said copier machine with developer;and

jogging means to jog said magnetic means into said first position fromsaid second position, when said developer is substantially fullydispensed from said container.

2. The indicating device of claim 1, wherein said magnetic means is apermanent magnet pivotably disposed with respect to said container, andpivotably movable between said first and second positions.

3. The indicating device of claim 1, wherein said indicating meanscomprises a switch which is operatively responsive to the position ofsaid magnetic means, and which is operative to pass a signal every timesaid magnetic means moves from said first position to said secondposition.

4. The indicating device of claim 1, wherein said dispensing meanscomprises a rotative drive mechanism for rotating said container inorder to dispense said developer, and wherein said jogging means is apin-like abutment operatively connected to said rotative drive mechanismand engageable with said magnetic means during every rotative cycle ofsaid rotative drive mechanism.

5. A flashing indicator device for a developer dispensing mechanism foruse in a copier machine, said dispensing mechanism dispensing a quantityof developer comprising a toner material and a carrier material, saiddeveloper dispensing mechanism providing a flashing signal indicatingthat substantially all of the developer has been dispensed, saidindicator device comprising:

a container for storing a quantity of said developer for use in to saidcopier system;

dispensing means associated with said container for dispensing saidquantity of developer from said container to said copier system;

sensing means disposed in proximity to said container for sensing whensaid container has substantially emptied of developer, said sensingmeans being movable between a first position indicative that developerstill remains in said container, and a second position indicative thatsubstantially all the developer has been dispensed from said container,said sensing means remaining in said first position while sufficientdeveloper remains in said container, and moving to said second positionwhen substantially all of the developer has been dispensed from saidcontainer;

signalling means engageable with said sensing means,

for providing a signal each time said sensing means moves from saidfirst position to said second position; and

urging means operatively connected to said dispensing mechanism forperiodically engaging with said sensing means during operation of thedispensing means when substantially all of the developer has beendispensed, said urging means urging the sensing means towards said firstposition so as to provide a flashing signal indicating thatsubstantially all of the developer has been dispensed.

6. The flashing indicator device of claim 5, wherein said carriermaterial comprises magnetizable material, and said sensing meanscomprises a magnet which is magnetically attracted to said carriermaterial, said sensing means being in said first position during saidattraction of the magnet to said carrier material, and wherein saidmagnet. moves to said second position when said magnet is no longermagnetically attracted to said carrier material, as when said carrierand toner materials are fully dispensed from said container.

7. The flashing indicator device of claim 6, wherein said signallingmeans comprises a switch and an indicator light, said switch beingactuated to a closed circuit position every time said magnet moves tosaid second position, causing saidindicator light to signal that saiddeveloper has been dispensed from said container.

8. The flashing indicator device of claim 5, wherein said dispensingmeans comprises a mechanism for rotating said containerfor the purposeof dispensing said material, and said means for urging the sensing meanscomprises a jogging mechanism connected to said dispensing means forperiodically jogging said sensing means every time said dispensing meansrotates said container through one rotative cycle, when substantiallyall of said developer has been dispensed from said container.

1. An indicating device for a developer dispensing mechanism for use ina copier machine, said dispensing mechanism dispensing a quantity ofdeveloper comprising a toner material and a magnetizable carriermaterial, said indicating device comprising: a container for storing aquantity of said developer for use in said copier machine; dispensingmeans associated with said container for dispensing said quantity ofdeveloper from said container to said copier machine; magnetic meansmovably disposed with respect to said container between a first positionand a second position, said first position being adjacent said containerin sufficient proximity therewith to establish a magnetic holdingattraction between said magnetic means and said magnetizable carriermaterial when sufficient developer remains in said container, and saidsecond position being of insufficient proximity to said container toestablish a holding attraction between said magnetic means and saidmagnetizable carrier material; indicating means responsive to movementof said magnetic means for indicating the position of said magneticmeans with respect to said container, so as to provide an indicationwhether there is sufficient developer in said container to maintain saidmagnetic means in holding attraction with said carrier material, whichis further indicative of whether there is need to replenish said copiermachine with developer; and jogging means to jog said magnetic meansinto said first position from said second position, when said developeris substantially fully dispensed from said container.
 2. The indicatingdevice of claim 1, wherein said magnetic means is a permanent magnetpivotably disposed with respect to said container, and pivotably movablebetween said first and second positions.
 3. The indicating device ofclaim 1, wherein said indicating means comprises a switch which isoperatively responsive to the position of said magnetic means, and whichis operative to pass a signal every time said magnetic means moves fromsaid first positIon to said second position.
 4. The indicating device ofclaim 1, wherein said dispensing means comprises a rotative drivemechanism for rotating said container in order to dispense saiddeveloper, and wherein said jogging means is a pin-like abutmentoperatively connected to said rotative drive mechanism and engageablewith said magnetic means during every rotative cycle of said rotativedrive mechanism.
 5. A flashing indicator device for a developerdispensing mechanism for use in a copier machine, said dispensingmechanism dispensing a quantity of developer comprising a toner materialand a carrier material, said developer dispensing mechanism providing aflashing signal indicating that substantially all of the developer hasbeen dispensed, said indicator device comprising: a container forstoring a quantity of said developer for use in to said copier system;dispensing means associated with said container for dispensing saidquantity of developer from said container to said copier system; sensingmeans disposed in proximity to said container for sensing when saidcontainer has substantially emptied of developer, said sensing meansbeing movable between a first position indicative that developer stillremains in said container, and a second position indicative thatsubstantially all the developer has been dispensed from said container,said sensing means remaining in said first position while sufficientdeveloper remains in said container, and moving to said second positionwhen substantially all of the developer has been dispensed from saidcontainer; signalling means engageable with said sensing means, forproviding a signal each time said sensing means moves from said firstposition to said second position; and urging means operatively connectedto said dispensing mechanism for periodically engaging with said sensingmeans during operation of the dispensing means when substantially all ofthe developer has been dispensed, said urging means urging the sensingmeans towards said first position so as to provide a flashing signalindicating that substantially all of the developer has been dispensed.6. The flashing indicator device of claim 5, wherein said carriermaterial comprises magnetizable material, and said sensing meanscomprises a magnet which is magnetically attracted to said carriermaterial, said sensing means being in said first position during saidattraction of the magnet to said carrier material, and wherein saidmagnet moves to said second position when said magnet is no longermagnetically attracted to said carrier material, as when said carrierand toner materials are fully dispensed from said container.
 7. Theflashing indicator device of claim 6, wherein said signalling meanscomprises a switch and an indicator light, said switch being actuated toa closed circuit position every time said magnet moves to said secondposition, causing said indicator light to signal that said developer hasbeen dispensed from said container.
 8. The flashing indicator device ofclaim 5, wherein said dispensing means comprises a mechanism forrotating said container for the purpose of dispensing said material, andsaid means for urging the sensing means comprises a jogging mechanismconnected to said dispensing means for periodically jogging said sensingmeans every time said dispensing means rotates said container throughone rotative cycle, when substantially all of said developer has beendispensed from said container.